From Steve Allen to Conan O'Brien: Classic 'Tonight Show' moments

UPI

It's rare that "Tonight Show" hosts get together like in this 1986 photo from "NBC's 60th Anniversary Celebration" that brought (from left) Steve Allen, Johnny Carson and Jack Paar in one room. Allen introduced the format that everyone now knows and follows (the couch, the celebrity guest, comedy bits), Paar helped brand and popularize the show, and Carson (to some) perfected it. Here are a few moments throughout the show's history that stand out.

It's rare that "Tonight Show" hosts get together like in this 1986 photo from "NBC's 60th Anniversary Celebration" that brought (from left) Steve Allen, Johnny Carson and Jack Paar in one room. Allen introduced the format that everyone now knows and follows (the couch, the celebrity guest, comedy bits), Paar helped brand and popularize the show, and Carson (to some) perfected it. Here are a few moments throughout the show's history that stand out. (UPI)

Think Jay Leno came up with those Jaywalking bits on his own? Original "Tonight" host Steve Allen popularized the man-on-the-street idea, except he brought in actual comedians who were in on the jokes. This routine carried over to "The Steve Allen Show," a competitor of "The Ed Sullivan Show."

Think Jay Leno came up with those Jaywalking bits on his own? Original "Tonight" host Steve Allen popularized the man-on-the-street idea, except he brought in actual comedians who were in on the jokes. This routine carried over to "The Steve Allen Show," a competitor of "The Ed Sullivan Show." (Internet Fair Use)